How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts

Posted by Sydney Professional Resume Writers on 28 Sep 2025

When it comes to the process of applying for a job an impressive resume and cover letter are essential. But, having good content isn’t enough. The layout of the cover letter you send out is as important as the content itself. A poorly formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one can make your company stand out from the competitors. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let an expert such as Sydney Professional Resume Writers handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the do’s of formatting your cover letters.

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size, and layout across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and allow plenty of white space so that the letter is easy to read.
  4. Include your contact details at the top of the letter. Include your name, address telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring if possible, and tailor the letter to the specific job the job you’re interested in.

Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of cover letters design.

  1. Don’t use a template. Each cover letter should be unique and tailored to the specific position and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the essence.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the format the cover letter you write, it can be laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. That’s where a professional resume writing service like Sydney Professional Resume Writers comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the content in your cover letter.

Additionally, our team will help you to tailor your letter of cover to the particular job and the company you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct easily read.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter could make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s & don’ts of cover letter formatting and perhaps hiring a professional company like Sydney Professional Resume Writers to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that can help you stand out among the crowd. Contact us at 1300 631 916 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.

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